Wallingford eyes upping tax breaks for veterans

WALLINGFORD  Local officials are studying a new state law that would allow them to more than triple property tax exemptions for veterans.

Michael Gannon

Published 12:00 am, Tuesday, October 14, 2003

Wallingfords current ceiling allows up to about $2,000 in assessed property to be exempt from municipal tax. Laws enacted by the state legislature this year, however, allow municipalities to raise the cap to $10,000, depending on many criteria such as the veterans annual income and family status.

The new law also expanded the pool of eligible veterans, so it now includes those who have served for at least 90 days since August 1990.

"I am sending an analysis of the programs to the Town Council Ordinance Review Committee for review, discussion, and ultimate approval of changes," Mayor William Dickinson said in a recent statement. "It is important that there be discussions as any change in the program does impact overall tax collection."

Council Chairman Robert Parisi, a Republican, said the matter already is under consideration, though it is not expected to be on the agenda of tonights council meeting. Parisi said Monday he did not have exact figures on how much an increased exemption could eliminate from town coffers, but said that calculation does have to be a consideration before a vote.

"The problem is that (the state) keeps changing the requirements," Parisi said. "Theyve added Iraq veterans. More and more people will be eligible. The tricky part is to balance (town needs) off what we think the future might hold."

Parisi served overseas with the U.S. Army during the Korean War.

"Id certainly be the very first to want to give it to them," Parisi said. "We have to see what the impact would be."

North Haven also is weighing an increase of its veterans exemption, which is currently $3,000. Town officials said last month they are considering a local ordinance to allow the maximum figure allowed by state law, rather than adopting a specific dollar figure.

First Selectman Kevin Kopetz said that would eliminate need to rewrite the ordinance any time the legislature changes the exemption level.

North Haven officials estimate that enacting the maximum exemption would cost $40,000 to $50,000 a year.